Week 59: February 9 to February 15, 1862
Four’s Company, Three’s a Crowd
From the Editor: Former Virginia governor John Buchanan Floyd has two objectives in mind when he marches his division into Fort Donelson. These are to protect the flank of Albert Sidney Johnston's retreating army and to bring all the troops in Fort Donelson to Nashville before the position becomes untenable. The attention of both Floyd and Johnston is focused on the Union's seemingly invulnerable fleet of gunboats. On Friday, the gunboats attack and, to the surprise of all, are beaten back. Confident that he has accomplished all that can be expected at Donelson, Floyd prepares to attack the encircling Union troops and lead his men to Nashville. The attack in successful and the road to Nashville is forced open. It is at this point that the cumbersome Confederate command structure breaks down. While Simon B. Buckner is positioning his men to cover the retreat, Gideon J. Pillow orders all the Confederate forces back to their original positions. Buckner appeals to Floyd who, in turn, confers with Pillow. Floyd, paralyzed with indecision, is convinced by Pillow to order all the troops back into the fort's trenches. Ulysses S. Grant's counter-attack later in the afternoon ends the debate. The Confederates are, once again, trapped in Fort Donelson. Late Saturday evening another council of war is called to order. Three options are debated; attack again in the morning, hold the fort for another day, or surrender.
February 09, 1862 (Sunday)
Gideon J. Pillow’s division arrives in Dover, Tennessee, and he takes command of Fort Donelson from Bushrod Johnson. Pillow exhorts his men to "drive back the ruthless invader from our soil and raise again the Confederate flag over Fort Henry." Ulysses S. Grant, District of Cairo, wants to quickly move on Fort Donelson, but "high water and mud prevent transportation of...baggage and artillery." Meanwhile, the "pilfering and marauding disposition" of his men causes Grant to issue General Field Orders No. 5.
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS No. 5.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Fort Henry, February 9, 1862.
The pilfering and marauding disposition shown by some of the men of this command has determined the general commanding to make an example of someone, to fully show his disapprobation of such conduct.... Every offense will be traced back to a responsible party. In an enemy's country, where so much more could be done by a manly and humane policy to advance the cause which we all have so deeply at heart, it is astonishing that men can be found so wanton as to destroy, pillage, and burn indiscriminately, without inquiry. By order of Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant, commanding:
[John] A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
William W. Loring is promoted to major-general in recognition of his services “in the past campaign” and transferred out of Thomas J. Jackson’s Valley District. Loring, who has been charged by Jackson with “neglect of duty and conduct subversive of good order and military discipline,” is ordered to report to Richmond, Virginia, pending an assignment “to command in Georgia under General [Robert E. Lee, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and East Florida].”
WAR DEPARTMENT, C.S.A., Richmond, Va., February 9, 1862.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, [Department of Northern Virginia] Centreville, Va.: The threatening aspect of our affairs in the West has determined the President to spare no effort to check the advance of the enemy in that quarter, while the abandonment by General Jackson of the winter campaign projected by him and his retirement into winter quarters, combined with the unhappy discordance between his command and that of General Loring, have determined him to make such disposal of General Loring's forces as will render them more immediately effective than if retained in the Valley District. He has therefore determined to send into Tennessee the three regiments of Tennessee troops that have been longest in service, and to add to them the Georgia regiment now with General Loring, the whole to be combined, with four regiments withdrawn from General [Braxton Bragg’s Department of West Florida and Alabama] and five regiments withdrawn from General [Mansfield Lovell’s Department No. 1], for the defense of our line in Eastern Tennessee, left open by the defeat of General [George B. Crittenden] at Somerset.... Transfer to your own army (Potomac) all the remaining troops belonging to General Loring's command.... You are specially requested to lose no time in sending the troops ordered to Knoxville, where we are sorely pressed, and where the danger is imminent. I am, your obedient servant,
[Judah] P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. S.G. Curtis, S.W. Dist. of Missouri, orders his four divisions to “resume their march” towards Springfield (MO).
2. C.P. Stone is taken to Fort Hamilton (N.Y. Harbor) and placed in solitary confinement. Stone requests a copy of “whatever charges” have been preferred.
3. W.T. Sherman, commanding the Benton Barracks in Saint Louis (MO), is directed to make preparations “to take a column or division on the Tennessee or Cumberland [River].”
5. A cavalry battalion under Lt. Col. C. Wright enters Marshfield (MO), and routs “a small party of the enemy's force that was running the mill.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Secretary Benjamin informs A.S. Johnston that “large reinforcements have been ordered” to his Western Department, including 5,000 men “ordered up from New Orleans (LA) to Columbus (KY).”
2. At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria (VA), Rev. K.J. Stewart, “an open and avowed secessionist,” is arrested for “omitting to read the prayer for the President of the United States and for Congress.”
February 10, 1862 (Monday)
After Simon Bolivar Buckner marches his division from Russellville, Kentucky, to reinforce the garrison at Fort Donelson, Gideon Pillow reports that John B. Floyd has kept his division outside the fort in Clarksville. Pillow reports: “I have reached this place and find everything quiet.” Pillow also describes the rapidly changing river conditions: “The river has now commenced falling, and often falls from 5 to 6 feet in twenty-four hours. If it runs down rapidly, as I hope it will from the cold weather, we will not be attacked this rise; before another rise I will have the works safe.... No more than three boats could possibly bring their guns to act upon our position at once. This makes the field of fire required for the guns so very narrow, that it admits of the construction of very narrow embrasures, which we are now constructing.” Later in the day he supplements his report to Floyd. “Upon one thing you may rest assured, viz, that I will never surrender the position, and with God's help I mean to maintain it.”
HEADQUARTERS FORT DONELSON, February 10, 1862.
General FLOYD: I am apprehensive, from the large accumulations of the enemy's forces in the neighborhood of Fort Henry, that he will attempt to cross the country south of my position and cut my communication by river, thus depriving me of supplies from above. The country south of me is exceedingly broken and rugged, so much so as to be nearly impracticable for a march, but they may possibly make it passable. His difficulty will be in procuring supplies for his forces, which is one almost, if not altogether, insurmountable. I think that is my safety.... I am pushing the work on my river batteries day and night; also on my field worlds and defensive line in the rear. In a week's time, if I am allowed that much, I will try very hard to make my batteries bomb-proof. I am now raising the parapets and strengthening them.... I have established a line of vedettes on the east bank of the Cumberland to within 8 miles of Smithland, so that I will be posted as to the movements and advance of the enemy.... With great respect,
GID. J. PILLOW, Brigadier-General, C.S. Army.
Heeding the direct order given to him by General-in-Chief George B. McClellan, Don Carlos Buell, Department of the Ohio, sends twelve regiments to reinforce Ulysses S. Grant’s advance into Tennessee. He reports: “The boats…left here the night of the day you called for them, and were to ascend the Tennessee River. May have been delayed a little at Green River.” The unhappy Buell informs McClellan that he can’t send more men due to the poor quality of their rifles. ‘Little Mac’ is not amused. He replies: “Dispatch received. It contains the first intimation I have had of character of arms.... Communicate your wants direct to me.”
FEBRUARY 10, 1862--1.30 pm.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.: My ordnance officer has made frequent report of the worthless character of certain arms sent here.... The muskets sent to Kentucky are unsafe and demoralize the troops. Propose to alter them [they] ought to be replaced at once.
D.C. BUELL, Brigadier-General.
From Fort Henry, Ulysses S. Grant writes to Flag-Officer Andrew H. Foote: “I have been waiting very patiently for the return of the gunboats under Commander [Seth Ledyard Phelps], to go around on the Cumberland [River], whilst I marched my land forces across to make a simultaneous attack upon Fort Donelson.” To “expedite matters,” Grant asks Foote to “send two boats from Cairo [Illinois].” While Grant is preparing to advance on Fort Donelson, his commander Henry Halleck, Department of the Missouri, is more worried about his ability to defend Fort Henry. He writes to McClellan: “Do send me more troops. It is the crisis of the war in the West.... The whole Bowling Green force can come down in a day, attack Grant in the rear, and return to Nashville before Buell can get halfway there.”
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS No. 7.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Fort Henry, February 10, 1862.
The troops from Forts Henry and Heiman will hold themselves in readiness to move on Wednesday, the 12th instant, at as early an hour as practicable. Neither tents nor baggage will be taken, except such as the troops can carry. Brigade and regimental commanders will see that all their men are supplied with 40 rounds of ammunition in their cartridge-boxes and two days' rations in their haversacks. Three days' additional rations may be put in wagons to follow the expedition, but will not impede the progress of the main column.... By order of Brigadier-General Grant:
JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. U.S. gunboats capture Elizabeth City (NC), and sink seven C.S. vessels guarding the Carolina coast; the C.S.S. Ellis is captured, the C.S.S. Seabird is sunk, and the C.S.S. Black Warrior, Fanny, and Forrest are set on fire to avoid capture.
2. A.E. Burnside, Dept. of N.C., reports on his victory at Roanoke Island: “A combined attack upon this island...has resulted in the capture of six forts, forty guns [and] over 2,000 prisoners”
3. U.S. naval forces destroy the fort and batteries at Cobb’s Point (NC).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The C.S. War Dept. divides Texas into two military districts, “the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas.”
2. N.C. Governor Clark reports the loss of Roanoke Island (NC) to Secretary Benjamin: “We must organize another army for that section.... Send what assistance you can.”
3. B. Bragg sends a regiment to Decatur (AL) to “save” the railroad bridge over the Tennessee River.
4. J.P. Anderson is promoted to brigadier-general in the C.S. Army.
5. At the request of G.B. Crittenden, a formal court of inquiry “to consist of three members and a recorder,” is detailed to “examine into all the circumstances relating to the battle of Fishing Creek.”
6. From Camp Dardenne (AR), Col. D.H. Cooper, 1st Choctaw and Chickasaw Regt., reports a “great danger” of “civil war among the Cherokees.” He writes: “Unless the Government complies with its promises…the Indian Territory will assuredly be lost.”
7.Chief Engineer J.F. Gilmer reports from Fort Donelson (TN): “The greatest danger…is from the gunboats.”
8. A small C.S. force lands on Barnwell’s Island (SC), but is driven off.
February 11, 1862 (Tuesday)
Flag-Officer Foote reports on Seth Ledyard Phelps’ naval expedition up the Tennessee River: “The gunboats Lexington, Tyler, and Conestoga...destroyed or captured all the rebel boats, broke up their camps, and made prize of their fine new gunboat.” Henry Halleck asks Foote to send some gunboats up the Cumberland River “with the least possible delay” to attack Fort Donelson. He writes: “You have gained great distinction by your capture of Fort Henry. Everybody recognizes your services. Make your name famous in history by the capture of Fort Donelson and Clarksville.” Foote replies: “I am ready with three gunboats to proceed up the Cumberland River, and shall leave here for that purpose in two hours--8.30 p.m.” With the gunboats on the move, Grant reports his troops "will leave tomorrow, as rapidly as possible."
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS No. 11.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Fort Henry, February 11, 1862.
One brigade of the First Division will move by the Telegraph road directly upon Fort Donelson, halting for further orders at a distance of 2 miles from the fort. The other brigades of the First Division will move by the Dover or Ridge road, and halt at the same distance from the fort, and throw out troops so as to form a continuous line between the two wings. The two brigades of the Second Division now at Fort Henry will follow as rapidly as practicable by the Dover road, and will be followed by the troops from Fort Heiman as fast as they can be ferried across the river. One brigade of the Second Division should be thrown into Dover to cut off all retreat by the river, if found practicable to do so. The force of the enemy being so variously reported, it is impossible to give exact details of attack, but the necessary orders will be given on the field. By order of Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant, commanding:
JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Henry Connelly, Governor of New Mexico Territory, reports a Confederate force not "exceeding 3,000 men" has advanced to within twenty miles of the state capital Santé Fe. He expects a battle to take place and has called out the militia to augment the 1,200 troops stationed at Fort Craig. The fort is spread over ten acres on the west bank of the Rio Grande River, with twenty-two buildings surrounded by an adobe and earthen wall. Henry Hopkins Sibley, Army of New Mexico, who has been marching up the Rio Grande River for the past four days, commands the forces approaching. Sibley plans to march on to Colorado and Utah. His ultimate goal, however, is the conquest of California.
FORT CRAIG, N. MEX., February 11, 1862.
Hon. [William] H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.: The enemy are approaching in full force.... They are within 20 miles of this post. Today our united forces march out to meet them. The battle will most likely take place on the 13th, about 10 miles below. We have no fears of the result. Enthusiasm prevails throughout our lines. About 800 militia will arrive tomorrow, there being already here and in service 500 of those called out by my late order, issued on the 25th of January. The militia have displayed a commendable spirit in the present emergency, and I have great confidence that they will do good service. We have fully 4,000 men under arms, among them 1,200 regular troops.... So soon as anything decisive takes place I will communicate the result. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY CONNELLY, Governor of New Mexico.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. G.B. McClellan complains that “the practice of seizing and confiscating the private property” has become so “fixed and general” in Kansas that orders “arresting it would not be obeyed.”
2. Adj. Gen. L. Thomas complains that the "enormous waste” of blank forms calls for "prompt correction."
3. From Annapolis, Maryland, Col. D’Epineuil, 53rd N.Y., reports on his unit’s 34-day odyssey aboard the steamer John Trucks: “The [regiment] has undergone fatigue and miseries a thousand times harder to bear than ten battles.”
4. Col. H. Moore, 47th N.Y., reports his men have “established a post” on Edisto Island (SC): “I finally located myself at this place…only 25 miles from Charleston.”
5. Major E.S. Foster, 7th M.S.M. Cavalry, reports the capture of Chariton, in northern Missouri.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. A.S. Johnston grants J.B. Floyd “full authority to make all dispositions...for the defense of Fort Donelson, Clarksville (TN), and the Cumberland [River].”
2. Major D.D. Shea, commanding at Camp Esperanza near Saluria (TX), rides to Aransas Pass “in hopes to capture the parties landing from the blockading bark Afton.”
February 12, 1862 (Wednesday)
Lieutenant-Commander Seth Ledyard Phelps, U.S.N., reports on his recent excursion up the Tennessee River. The Union gunboats “destroy everything” on the Tennessee River all the way up to Florence, Alabama. However, Phelps is even more impressed by the “gratifying proofs of loyalty” he encountered “everywhere across Tennessee.”
Report of Lieut. Commander S.L. Phelps, U.S. Navy.
SIR: Men, women, and children several times gathered in crowds of hundreds, shouted their welcome, and hailed their national flag with an enthusiasm there was no mistaking. It was genuine and heartfelt. These people braved everything to go to the riverbank where a sight of their flag might once more be enjoyed, and they have experienced, as they related, every possible form of persecution. Tears flowed freely down the cheeks of men as well as of women, and there were those who had fought under the Stars and Stripes at Monterey who in this manner testified to their joy. This display of feeling and sense of gladness at our success and the hopes it created in the breasts of so many people in the heart of the Confederacy astonished us not a little, and I assure you, sir, I would not have failed to witness it for any consideration. I think it has given us all a higher sense of the sacred character of our present duties.... In Tennessee the people generally in their enthusiasm braved secessionists and spoke their views freely, but in Mississippi and Alabama what was said was guarded. "If we dared express ourselves freely, you would hear such a shout greeting your coming as you never heard." We were told, too, “Bring us a small organized force, with arms and ammunition for us, and we can maintain our position and put down rebellion in our midst." There were, it is true, whole communities who on our approach fled to the woods, but these were where there was less of the loyal element, and where the fleeing steamers in advance had spread tales of our coming with fire-brands, burning, destroying, ravishing, and plundering.... I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S.L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Commander, U.S. Navy.
Henry Halleck informs Don Carlos Buell of Ulysses S. Grant’s progress: "General Grant has invested Fort Donelson on the land side, but he cannot transport his siege artillery from Fort Henry. Half the country is under water." Gideon Pillow, aware of Grant's arrival, warns John B. Floyd, whose division is still stationed nearby, that he expects to “have a battle” tomorrow morning. He writes: “The enemy are all around my position and within distance to close in with me in ten minutes march."
CLARKSVILLE, TENN., February 12, 1862.
General JOHNSTON: I have thought the best disposition to make of the troops on this line was to concentrate the main force at Cumberland City, leaving at Fort Donelson enough to make all possible resistance to any attack which may be made upon the fort, but no more. The character of the country in the rear and to the left of the fort is such as to make it dangerous to concentrate our whole force there our troops would be in danger of being cut off.... I received by telegraph your authority to make any disposition of the troops which in my judgment was best, and acknowledged it by a dispatch immediately. I am acting accordingly. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD, Brigadier-General, C.S. Army.
Newly promoted Major-General William W. Loring responds to the charges leveled against him by Thomas J. Jackson: “An intimate acquaintance with the Army Regulations and the customs of the service for some twenty-six years has failed to inform me of the fact that a respectful and truthful statement by commanders of the condition of their commands was other than a duty, and when it was accompanied by a request for the amelioration of their condition, humanity and the customs of the service require their common superior to give it his most serious consideration.”
RICHMOND, VA., February 12, 1862.
Hon. J.P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War: In compliance with your request of this morning I have the honor to supply the following answer to the charges preferred against me by Maj. Gen. T.J. Jackson.... I can scarcely be held responsible for the results when I had no control over the cause. That portion of my command was rendered unfit for active service by marches of cruel severity, which prostrated it, was a fault, but can only be attributed to him who ordered it. I obeyed the instructions of my superior. While I gave every attention in my power to the march, the state of the roads and the inclemency of the weather rendered it impossible to avert the sickness and suffering of the troops. It is hardly possible that an important expedition could have been frustrated, for this inefficient part of my force, as stated, was but one-third of the whole, and only that particular force was called for.... Should this reply be deemed not satisfactory, I respectfully request that a court-martial be ordered to ascertain the merits of the case. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W.W. LORING, Brigadier-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. D.C. Buell informs G.B. McClellan he will “advance up the Tennessee or Cumberland” Rivers with a portion of his force, and leave the rest “to operate against Bowling Green.”
2. From Boston (MA), B.F. Butler, Dept. of New England, reports “troops and supplies are being dispatched” to Ship Island (MS) “as fast as possible.”
3. Federal forces under A.E. Burnside occupy Edenton (NC).
4. In Port Royal (SC), T.W. Sherman, Expeditionary Corps, is instructed to send “300 or 400 contrabands to Key West (FL), to be employed in the public works there.”
5. H.M. Naglee is appointed brigadier-general in the Union Army.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. T.J. Jackson reports he has “authorized furloughs to be granted to re-enlisted men at the rate of one-third of the rank and file present.” According to Jackson, the men are re-enlisting “encouragingly.”
2. Ben. Huger, Dept. of Norfolk, directs all stragglers from the Wise Legion to “move toward” Suffolk (VA).
3. Howell Cobb and G.W. Randolph are appointed brigadier-generals in the C.S. Army
4. Col. C.F. Henningsen, 59th Virginia, reports he “only partially succeeded” in destroying Elizabeth City (NC) before it was captured, “two blocks only having been burned.”
5. Skirmishes take place at Springfield (MO); and at Moorefield (VA).
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